sorry I know its a stupid question. I have searched the site and google but keep just getting pictures and questions about peoples shinka's.. I was just curious if any of you knew all of the differances or had a site/link that could answer this for me.

btw: I just bought an 04 rx8 and this is by far the most fun car I have ever owned (comparing to 2 mustang gt's, 300whp turbo civic, 200 hp all motor integra and a few other regulars). Funny part is, THIS ONE IS AUTO! I hate auto, its for my fiance to drive and I still have a BLAST driving this car.

thanks, tim

 

Different outside paint, and tan leather interior...supposedly the dampers are revalved, etc...but I seriously doubt there is any appreciable difference in performance.

 

The frame is supposed to be filled with foam to increase(?) stiffness.

 

Colors

 

Yep all cosmetic. Do a search again.

They ask this question all the time. Search in the discussion thread.

 

The main improvements are in the engine and suspension.

The routing seals, displacement bearings and exhaust flow valves have been upgraded to add an extra 30 rlhp..

In the suspension the Shinka has different manifold struts, longer camber bars for a stiffer steering feel, as well as a better ventilated disk redirectors on the brake system.

The paint, badges and seats are just a bonus..

 

^ don't listen to him, he's drunk and FoS.

 

Ha! You wrote it, but I'm guessing many of us think it.

Near every time I see a thread with "Shinka" in it somewhere I just laugh.

 

The suspension has the foam in it to make it stiffer and lighter. And the leather inside is a different color and texture.

And on some of the models the side mirrors have a different style of connector, it's two thin bars that stick out to connect it to the car, not just one solid piece.

Different color of course, Mica Red, right?

And then it has the badging...And some other misc mods that amount to maybe 1-2 more HP?

 

I like the seats on the Shinka...I'd rather have those than my leather...

 

well thiss is the same responce I get every time I look it up.. Everyone says somthing differant. I see the color, Interior but was wondering about performance.. Im guessing some **** filled with foam is a waste of money.

 

in the end you still have a GT plus a few little extras. you have to decide if the extras are with it just like any other trim level. some think that the addition of a moonroof is a waste of money, that leather is too heavy, that heated seats aren't worth the extra cash so touring and/or GT trim levels aren't their thing. some like all of those plus the idea of a special edition and go for the shinka. you won't get any extra performance but it's another trim level to choose from.

 

Okay, how does adding foam make it lighter?? More bouyant maybe. Might help if you decide to drive it across the Gulf of Mexico.

 

"Mazda started Job1 on the Shinka Special Edition today, for a total production run of 2150 RX-8's. Some of the features of the special edition include the Black Cherry Exterior, special bright finish wheels, and bright-chrome head and tail light fixtures. On the inside, parchment leather seats and more use of piano black accents provide a look and feel of luxury. Looks aren't all that changed on this RX-8, however. Chassis improvements include:

Suspension cross member injected with foaming urethane improving performance and ride quality
Unique Suspension tuning with thicker 14mm damper shafts (up from 12mm)
Other Equipment includes:
Interior Design:
Seat & Trim Material -- Parchment Leather with soft-back seats (Light Beige)
Steering Wheel -- Sewing pattern change (4 pieces -> 2 pieces) & Colored Stitch
MT Shift **** -- Colored Stitch
Parking brake lever – PVC -> Leather & Colored Stitch
Front & Rear Consol Lid -- PVC -> Leather
Rotary Bezel -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
Meter Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
Ventilation grille -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
Center panel Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
HVAC Dial -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
Shift-base Ring -- Chrome -> Semi-gloss
SW Bezel -- Material color -> Piano black
Consol side bar -- Silver -> Piano black
Bose 300 Watt, 9 Speaker Sound System with Audio Pilot noise suppression technology 6 Disc CD Changer Satellite Radio receiver with 1 year Sirius subscription (N/A Hawaii & Alaska)
Auto Dimming Mirror w/Homelink
Xenon Headlamps w/ auto leveling
Fog Lamps
8-way Power Driver's Seat w/Lumbar Support
Heated Mirrors and Seats
Power Sunroof
Dynamic Stability Control w/Traction Control
Tochigi-fuji torque-sensing limited-slip differential"

 

Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for

 

just reach for a lime, you will be saved by the buoyancy of citrus

 

i think we're down playing how pretty the paint actually is...I'm a performance guy as much as the rest...but that color is exceptional...

 

^^ I really like the color as well. and its not purple..

 

I miss Mitch! He could have done so much more.

 

and the shinka.... is Japanese. #1 reason to buy one instead of the "GT"

 

ya we saw a shinka and the color is very nice.. I we looked but it was a little high priced (22 or so) and it was auto (Eventhough we ended up with an auto haha).

I guess the one we got is a base, it has the HID's, power sunroof and all but its cloth..it was 15k though so im not compaining

 

looks purple, which unless you're Prince or barney...why?

 

if you have the moonroof and cloth you have a touring edition - not base.

 

Actually, no… looks purple in photos—but not in real life. It's more the color of Dr. Pepper Black Cherry soda—a very dark, reddish brown, almost black. Looks black at first glance.

 

I have owned a 2004 GT Titanium and now a 2006 Shinka Copper Red, so well qualified to comment. Bought both new - lost the '04 in a garage fire or would still own it.

I bought the Shinka as I fell in love with the Copper Red color and the interior. I ordered it new via the employee discount plan and paid invoice. I still think the difference over the GT (I think around $1100) was worth it for the color and interior alone (making the sirius radio, 6 CD changer and other items bonuses).

I find the ride of the Shinka to be a bit better, especially for longer trips, perhaps due to the dampering but there are no performance differences.